"I recognise no vessel as English under those colours," said Tejada, fiercely, pointing to the opal banner.
"Bueno! I will endeavour to remove your prejudice."
In another moment Philip had given orders to Benker, and the Union Jack was flying at the other masthead.
"You must respect our neutrality now, Señor."
Don José bit his lip, and turning to one of his officers, gave an order. The soldier bowed, dropped over the side of the yacht, and went ashore in the boat.
"I have sent to tell Don Hypolito that an embassy has come from Tlatonac," said Tejada, addressing the Intendante with marked coldness; "in ten or fifteen minutes you shall know his decision."
"He must receive us, Señor."
"No doubt; but the question is, will he let you depart?"
"By the law of nations, which recognises the white flag, he must let us go as we came, unharmed."
"Had you not sailed under the English ensign, you would not have got into the harbour so easily. This boat would be now sunk by the guns of The Cortes."